Edward Davis Townsend Collection, ca. 1864-1878

Summary

Extent:

.02 linear feet (1 folder)

Language:

English.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection contains four Civil War related items, of Major General Edward Davis Townsend (1817-1893). Included are two documents issued by Townsend at the Adjutant General's Office, War Department, 1864-1865 (assignment to duty of Brig. Gen. B. U. Brice, and receipt of monies and valuables from 1st Lieut. J. H. Winfield, 80th New York Volunteers), one Civil War era engraving of Townsend in uniform, and one letter, 1878, declining to furnish copies of Civil War reports in advance of their publication.

Townsend was principal executive officer of the War Department during the Civil War and was in close contact with President Lincoln and Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton. He was chosen to represent the army at the various funerals for Lincoln. As adjutant general of the army, he also was responsible for developing the plan for a United States military prison, resulting in the establishment of the prison at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

Acquisition information:

Undetermined.

Physical location:

Vault

Location of this collection:

UC Santa Barbara, Special Research Collections

UC Santa Barbara Library

Santa Barbara, CA 93106-9010, US

Contact:

(805) 893-3062

special@library.ucsb.edu

Website